As people, I believe we live with two competing truths that exist within us. These are: the truth that we control (our perspective, understanding, and judgment); and the truth that we do not control (our feelings, experiences, and impulses). These two truths are often in conflict with one another and create many challenging dilemmas in our life about how we should respond to our life situation.
Maybe you’ve noticed the conflict between these two for yourself? Consider a time when your feelings don’t match your perspective (e.g. “Why am I feeling so anxious right now? I know that I’m safe. This doesn’t make sense!).
As a counsellor, I help clients by facilitating a dialogue between these two truths so that they can experience a greater inner “yes” to their life situation!
My Professional Biography
I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC #10006435) and a member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). I am also a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #22622) and a member in good standing with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors.
For my schooling, I completed my undergraduate degree (B.A. Psychology, Special Needs Education) and graduate degree (M.A. Counselling Psychology) from Trinity Western University in Langley, BC. Beyond my master’s degree in counselling psychology, I have extensive post-graduate training as an existential therapist from the Existential Analysis Society of Canada, an affiliate of The International Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis.
Outside of counselling, I am also professionally involved in speaking, training, and consultation with various organizations.
I provide counselling services for youth (14+) and adults who have concerns surrounding:
-Anxiety (generalized, social, phobia)
-Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
-Trauma and Abuse
-Depression, Grief, and Loss
-Elite Athletes/Peak Performance
-Self-Discovery/Development/Identity
-Spiritual Crisis/Trauma/ Deconstruction
-Worldview Consolidation and Value Conflicts
-Substance Use and Addiction
-Couples Therapy
-Relationship Dynamics (workplace, friends, family)
My Approach to Counselling
Among the numerous types of therapists available, I would be considered to be an existential therapist. When most people read the term existential therapist, they might think about different ideas like “existential dread or crisis” and someone in a scratchy turtleneck who just wants to talk about death and meaning.
And yes, these are technically existential concepts, but my approach is a little different. Without getting into too many details, what’s most essential to know is this: Existential therapy refers to an attitude towards therapy that seeks to help clients become more of who they really are, rather than who they should be. It expands their ability to be present in their life situation. As a result, my clients tend to feel more empowered to live a more meaningful life that reflects them, personally.
This process will look different for each client, as my approach is fundamentally non-prescriptive. However it is guided heavily by principles of therapy that are collaborative, person-centered, trauma-informed, and attachment-informed.
Furthermore, I also integrate elements of humanistic, psychodynamic, and contemporary cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques in my work. In the end, my intent is to form an individualized plan that is co-authored with the client.
About Me
My family and I recently have returned to the Lower Mainland after a few years in the Okanagan area! Being the parent of a two and four-year-old keeps our life pretty busy, but when I get the chance, I love spending time with friends, playing soccer, disc golf, chess, and have recently been dipping my toes into rock climbing! Prior to becoming a counsellor, I grew up in a military family in the United States and briefly played semi-professional soccer.
As a counsellor, I too have come through my own mental health journey, where I have felt exhausted and stuck. I have navigated abusive relationships, family with complex trauma, and even pressures from soccer. I have been incredibly impacted by the counselling services that I have received in my life. My counsellors have helped me find relief from anxiety, healthier relationships, self-acceptance, and a greater sense of meaning in my life.
These experiences have really informed my practice, where I look to help others find their personal “yes” to life!
Book a 15-min free consultation with me today.
